What is an Infant Carrier Seat?

When it comes to choosing a car seats parents have two choices of infant car seats or convertible seats. Car seats for infants are suitable for rear-facing use, so they are less durable.

Infant carrier seats are commonly compatible with strollers (adapters sold separately) to create a traveling system. This allows parents to take their top rated baby car seats from the car to a stroller with ease without disturbing them.

Safety

Many parents are concerned about the security of an infant's carrier seat, especially when they buy one for the first time. However, as with all car seats on the market, an infant's seat is designed to be as secure as is possible to protect your infant in the event of an accident. They are typically placed rear-facing, making them the ideal choice for infants that are at highest risk of injury in a car accident.

They also come with additional padding for head protection, as well as lower anchors that secure the seat to the chassis of the vehicle in the event in the event of an accident. This is especially important for infants with large heads and necks that are easily injured by the force of a collision or sudden stop. Most infant carrier seats can be used in conjunction with strollers, forming a travel system which allows you to easily transfer your baby from your car to the stroller without having to worry about them.

Many infant car seats have a base that can be used in other vehicles. This lets you take your child wherever you go. This is ideal for parents who use taxis or ride-sharing services frequently. It can also make travelling with a baby on planes much easier.

Some infant carrier seats can be put on strollers that do not have a base. This allows you to keep your child safe during all sorts of excursions and adventures. This is a great option for grandparents who want to help you out with the transportation of your child!

It is also important to remember that a child's car seat is never meant to be left alone outside of a vehicle, as babies could tip or roll over on soft surfaces, causing injuries and possibly the risk of suffocation. It is essential to read the instructions before using an infant seat in a new location.

Portability

Many infant car seats are designed to be part of an overall travel system, comprising a car frame and seat base that snap into one another for seamless transitions. Travel systems are great for infants since they allow parents to move their baby from the car to the stroller, and vice versa without needing to get them up. This feature is the main reason why more than 80% of Babylist parents purchase an infant seat.

Many infant car seats work with the majority of strollers. The stroller compatibility feature permits parents to take their child from the car and put it on a stroller frame to allow them to walk around a park or supermarket. This is a fantastic feature to look out for if you are considering using a taxi or ride-sharing service. The majority of these services require children to be in a safety seat.

Infant car seats are generally smaller and lighter than convertible car seats. They are a great choice for families who like to be active. Furthermore, certain infant car seats come with an e-handle that parents can use to carry the seat around by themselves. This is especially helpful when you're planning a trip that you don't want wake your lightweight baby car seat for.

Infant car seats last until your child is an adult and has outgrown the weight and height limitations Some convertible car seats can be used as a rear-facing infant car seat, and later converted to a forward facing car seat for older children. These seats are an excellent choice if you are looking to keep your child in a secure car seat for as long as you can. There is a convertible car seat that transforms into an high-back booster seat once your child is too big for the harness (or reaches the limit on weight and height). Just be sure to check for this when you are looking at options!

Simple to Use

A rear-facing infant car seat is a car seat that snaps into the base of your vehicle. These seats are designed to keep babies and newborns secure until they reach the weight and height requirements for a booster. Many infant car seats are also compatible with strollers, which will make it easy to transfer the baby from the car to the stroller and continue on your journey without disturbing their nap time.

Look for an infant car seat that has an attachable carrier that connects to the base of a stroller. This will make it much easier to get your child into and out of the car especially when their nap is over or they are thirsty, hungry or bored. Check the shoulder strap slots to ensure they're properly positioned for your child. If the straps are too low or high, they can't be used correctly and can be dangerous in the event of a crash.

Some infant car seats come with lower anchors that can be used in conjunction with or without the base. This is ideal for taxi rides or when traveling via plane. Check that the lower anchors are simple to install, have a European routing and are easy to release. We are also able to hear an audible "click" when the seat is properly secured. It's important to choose the seat with an easy-to-use harness and carrier adjustment system. Examples include Graco's click connect and UPPAbaby's SmartSecure.

Convertible car seats are the next step after an infant carrier. They can be used until your child reaches the height or weight requirements for a booster. They can be used in conjunction with strollers, but they don't offer the newborn fit and convenience of a car seat for infants. Some convertible seats convert into boosters however they are generally bigger and more difficult to transport which makes them difficult to maneuver in vehicles with limited space or when transporting children in busy areas.

Installation

Installing car seats, and especially infant car seats, can be difficult. It is essential to install car seats correctly and safely. This is influenced by the position of the seat as well as the angle of base, and the way you handle the handle.

The majority of infant car seats are designed to be attached to a base that remains in the vehicle, which is commonly referred to as a travel system. They are designed for rear-facing use and are safer than forward-facing. Most car seats come with an indicator of angle built-in that you can use to verify if the seat is set at the right semi-reclined level for your child. The base could have an angle adjustor.

Another feature to look out for is if the seat comes with an option to adjust the height of the shoulder strap without having to detach and reconnect the straps. This can be a real time saver, since it will probably need to be done multiple times during the car seat of an infant.

Certain cars have a hard spot in the back seat that is specifically designed to hold baby car safety seats. These are usually hidden in the crease that runs between the cushion in the back of the seat and the bottom cushion. These hooks are custom made for the specific seat and should be able to snap into place with minimal effort. They may also make distinct sounds when they are securely attached.

It's also a good idea to try the car seat on the child before deciding if it's suitable for your family. If your child feels uncomfortable or the car seat won't click into the base, you should look for another option.

Some car seats can be installed without the base, which is helpful when you travel by public transport or use taxi services like Uber. It is common to remove and install the carrier without the base by pressing a lever or a button. Check the instructions provided by the manufacturer. A lot of them will give you an "click" to let you know when it's secured.